The Twenty-Fourth of February
Today’s date gives the title of the song The Twenty-Fourth of February (also known as the Twenty-Third of February). On a clear day, the English protagonists casually encounter seven Algerine ships, sinking one and capturing two.
The details sound nondescript but they refer to real events - though the date, ship names, and battle aftermath have been altered over time. The Battle of Cádiz in 1669 took place between Rear-Admiral John Kempthorne’s Mary Rose and a group of seven pirate ships. The Mary Rose was escorting several merchants and diplomats when she was attacked over December 18-19. Kempthorne jettisoned excess cargo and a recently rescued ship, preparing to fight. Casualties were severe on both sides, but the Mary Rose prevailed despite three damaged masts.
The events were well documented by the English engraver Wenceslaus Hollar who watched the battle from the deck. The names of the Algerine ships, apparently, were: the Golden Lion, Orange Tree, Half Moon, Seven Stars, White Horse, Blewhart, and Rose Leaf.